The Hindu Business Line : Captive cultivation of cotton catching on among mills

THE textile sector, which was so far opposed to the idea of captive cultivation of cotton, is reconsidering its decision. Select units have, on a trial basis, taken the initiative to cultivate cotton in their backyards to experience for themselves the quality of the cotton raised within the mill's proximity.

The Project Co-ordinator and Head of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Regional Station, Dr. T.P. Rajendran, told Business Line that a couple of units had approached the research institute for technical guidance and support.

"We are in the process of firming up consultancy support service with two textile units. We will be extending technology support, but the respective units will have to organise input services."

One of the two units appears to have earmarked 300 acres for raising the cotton crop. "They have identified four varieties including two desi varieties, the others being Surabhi and Sumangala. They will be raising these on a trial basis," he said.

Dr Rajendran also said that the textile units were trying to replicate the sugar factories in identifying potential areas near the unit for cultivation of cotton.

"If the growers are advised to raise a variety as per the mill's requirement, it could be a win-win situation for both. The grower would be able to market the produce direct to the mill and the unit would be able to source the cotton without incurring huge carrying cost or loss in transit."

According to Dr Rajendran, Surabhi was coming up in a big way, but the trade continued to market it as the MCU 5 variety. "MCU 5 is not traded any longer."

The CICR is understood to have taken up with the Ministry of Textiles reclassification of desi cotton as "long staple arboretum" as mere desi tended to quote relatively low, when compared to non-desi cotton.

"Traders are obsessed with the term `desi'. In fact, they are comparable to the long staple cotton, but quote much lower than a typical long staple variety."